The UN has said there is no justification for the violence and loss of life.

The Egyptian interior ministry blamed the deaths on a stampede. It also accused migrant leaders of inciting attacks against the police.

The government has ruled out an international investigation. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit was quoted by the state news agency as saying: "Egypt has dealt with the sit-in of the refugees with wisdom and patience."

Refugees say hundreds are still being detained.

Several million Sudanese have been made homeless by conflict in the past two decades, but following a peace deal last year the UNHCR has now begun a voluntary repatriation programme.